LVMH announced the inauguration of its new, state-of-the-art perfume and cosmetics research center in Saint-Jean-de-Braye, France. Named Hélios—in reference to the sun, an integral part of research in cosmetology—the center is a reflection of the LVMH Group’s commitment to the luxury perfume and cosmetic industry in France. Hélios is completely dedicated to research and innovation, with researchers from the Maisons of Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Givenchy Perfumes and Fresh to be based there. The center covers 18,000 square meters, making it one of France’s cosmetic research and development centers.

The 250 researchers of Hélios will be developing new processes and securing new patents in the fields of cosmetics and the beauty sciences. Their work will be focused on three strategic areas: research, development and expertise. More than 20 fields of research will be represented at the center, including: molecular and cell biology, physical chemistry, ethnobotany, sensory analysis, formulation, toxicology and histology, among many others.

Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of the LVMH Group, said, “The inauguration of our new Hélios research center is a very positive development for our perfumes and cosmetics businesses. It is an unparalleled facility for developing products that will meet the highest standards of quality. This state-of-the-art facility is representative of the strategy of the group and our ambition to consistently reinforce and expand the savoir-faire behind our businesses in France.”

In order to continue its activities under the most efficient conditions and to bring together its research teams, the LVMH Group started constructing the center in the late 2000s, with the Parfums Christian Dior site in Saint-Jean-de-Braye was chosen as the location. Spanning 55 hectares near the forest de Charbonnière, it is one of the largest production sites of luxury perfumes and cosmetics in France.

Hélios is composed of a group of six buildings, each of which spans three levels, and is built in the form of a triangle around a large central atrium. This original design concept was conceived by the architectural firm Arte Charpentier and aims to foster creativity. Its unique shape and form was inspired by the process of innovation and product creation itself. It was built according to the LVMH Group's high standards of quality as well as the High Environmental Quality (HEQ) standards and uses environmentally sound materials.

Hélios is an illustration of the company contribution to the remarkable dynamism of the region. As a member of the Cosmetic Valley, LVMH Research is already engaged with many public actors, both national and international, and private companies, including start-ups and SMEs. To extend this, Hélios has signed an exciting partnership with the University of Orléans, due to start in 2014. Dubbed Skinovalys, the project builds on the existing long-standing ties between fundamental research units of the University of Orléans and LVMH Research. Skinovalys is targeted at external researchers as well as start-ups, micro-businesses and SMEs. It will enable them to get access to advanced scientific equipment and the expertise of Hélios, as well as to validate concepts in the field of cosmetics and provide support for participating organizations in the experimental phase of their projects.